Fanny Bay vs Hama Hama
This is a Pacific-versus-Pacific matchup of the same species (Crassostrea gigas) grown in different Northwest waters. The Fanny Bay, from British Columbia, is the brinier of the two at a brininess of 4, with briny, sweet, and cucumber primary flavors and a crisp, pronounced cucumber finish. The Hama Hama, from the US West Coast, is gentler at a brininess of 2 with a sweetness of 4, leading with sweet, melon, and herbaceous notes and a clean, delicately sweet, refreshing finish. Both show off the signature cucumber-and-melon character that makes Pacific oysters so distinctive, but the Fanny Bay carries more salt and crispness while the Hama Hama leans sweeter and softer. A great pairing for fans of West Coast oysters.
| Attribute | Fanny Bay | Hama Hama |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Crassostrea gigas | Crassostrea gigas |
| Region | British Columbia | US West Coast |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Brininess | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Sweetness | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Minerality | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Creaminess | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Finish | Crisp, pronounced cucumber finish | Clean, delicately sweet, refreshing |
| Primary flavors | Briny, Sweet, Cucumber | Sweet, Melon, Herbaceous |
The oysters compared
Fanny Bay
British ColumbiaThe archetypal BC oyster. Smooth and balanced with sweet, buttery notes and a signature crisp cucumber finish.
Hama Hama
US West CoastClassic Pacific Northwest oyster with delicately sweet flesh and herbaceous notes. Lichen-green shells with a distinctive watermelon-rind flavor profile.
Which should you choose?
Pick the Fanny Bay if you want more brine and a crisp, cucumber-driven snap (brininess 4). Pick the Hama Hama if you prefer a sweeter, gentler, melon-forward oyster (brininess 2, sweetness 4). Both are quintessentially Pacific, so this comes down to how much salt you want alongside that fresh, vegetal character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Fanny Bay and Hama Hama the same species?
Yes, both are Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas). The Fanny Bay is grown in British Columbia and the Hama Hama on the US West Coast, and they differ mainly in brininess and sweetness.
Which is sweeter, a Fanny Bay or a Hama Hama?
The Hama Hama is sweeter, rating 4 out of 5 on sweetness with a low brininess of 2, while the Fanny Bay is brinier (4 out of 5) with a crisp cucumber finish.